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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad Easy Recipe with Poppy Seed Dressing

fresh strawberry spinach pasta salad - featured image
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A light and flavorful pasta salad combining sweet strawberries, peppery spinach, and a tangy creamy poppy seed dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) rotini pasta, cooked al dente
  • 4 cups (120 g) fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
  • 1 ½ cups (225 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup (50 g) sliced almonds, toasted (optional but recommended)
  • ½ cup (60 g) crumbled feta cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise (use vegan mayo if preferred)
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) poppy seeds
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain fully.
  2. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add ½ cup (50 g) sliced almonds and stir frequently until golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, combine ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) poppy seeds, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk or shake until smooth and creamy.
  4. Hull and slice 1 ½ cups (225 g) fresh strawberries. Wash and dry 4 cups (120 g) baby spinach thoroughly. Tear larger spinach leaves to bite-sized pieces if desired.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, baby spinach, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, and ½ cup (60 g) crumbled feta cheese. Pour the poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is coated evenly.
  6. Refrigerate the salad for 20-30 minutes before serving to let the flavors marry. Toss gently before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool. Toast almonds carefully to avoid burning. Dressing tastes better after resting a few hours in the fridge. Use fresh ripe strawberries for best flavor. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising strawberries and wilting spinach. Dressing may thicken in fridge; loosen with a splash of water or vinegar.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach pasta salad, poppy seed dressing, summer salad, easy pasta salad, healthy salad, quick salad recipe

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-pasta-salad-easy-recipe-with-poppy-seed-dressing/